Medical Coders: Is Earning Additional Certifications Worth It?

by  Find-A-Code™
Jan 22nd, 2024

Although there is no federal requirement that medical coders be certified, basic certification is often a job requirement in the modern era. Employers like to see certification as proof that potential coders have undergone a comprehensive training program and demonstrated their knowledge through a certification exam. But what about additional certifications?

Some medical coders are not content with basic certification. Even as they work, they pursue continuing education with the goal of earning additional certifications. The question for this post is whether doing so is worth it or not. No one can answer that question but the individual coder.

As you read the remainder of this post, keep in mind that additional certifications almost always deal with specialized areas of coding. You might have one medical coder who specializes in oncology and another whose specialty is geriatrics. Certifications associated with certain specialties demonstrate advanced knowledge of those areas.

Certifications and Earning Potential

Additional certifications in medical coding are similar to their counterparts in other industries in the sense that they tend to increase an individual's earning power. According to the AAPC, the average annual salary of a certified CPC is $58,895. Meanwhile, the average CPC-1 coder earns $76,804. That is quite a difference.

As a side note, medical coders without any certification earn $46,321 on average. So it is well worth the effort to get the most basic certification even if additional certifications are not your thing.

Certifications and Career Advancement

Higher earning potential is a strong motivation for earning additional certifications. But above and beyond compensation is career advancement. Think about it. The healthcare industry is constantly changing. It is an evolving industry that never stops growing and expanding. What administrators are looking to fill important roles, they look for candidates with a track record of proven skills and a commitment to doing better.

Earning additional certifications demonstrates both. In order to be certified in something new, you need to demonstrate you know what you're doing. Putting in the time and effort to learn and pass a certification exam proves you are committed to being a better medical coder.

Starting Your Own Coding Business

If you are among those medical coders currently working for someone else but hoping to start your own company, you have a long road ahead of you. You can make that road smoother by investing your time in earning as many certifications as possible. Remember the certifications equal knowledge. Likewise, knowledge equals power.

Additional certifications will make it easier for you to start your own company because you will have a more thorough understanding of medical coding. In addition, earning new certifications also means boosting your credentials. There is nothing quite like a strong set of credentials to convince clients to get on board with your new business. Credentials could play a huge role in your success.

Not Earning Them Is Okay, Too

We do not want this post to leave you feeling like you have to pursue additional certifications in order to be a legitimate medical coder. Not earning them is okay, too. It is really a matter of personal preference. Whether or not you earn additional certifications depends mainly on what you want to do with your career.

If you are content to continue working your current job until you are ready to either retire or move on, think twice about earning additional certifications just for the sake of doing so. But if you want to earn more, increase your advancement opportunities, or potentially start your own business one day, earning additional certifications is probably in your best interests.